This is a nice messenger bag, I've had one for almost 4 years and it is holding up well. My only complaint is that when I load it up with textbooks and binders (more than 15 lbs or so) it starts to hurt my shoulder since the weight is distributed on only 1 strap. It's not so bad when you're on a bike and leaning over so the bag is resting on top of your back, but once you're walking around it can really hurt. I do not recommend it if you need a bag for walking around.

I have a Chrome and a Bailey and I far prefer the Bailey to the Chrome for an every day bag. I have used my Bailey every day for the past 5 years and have had zero problems with it. I never liked the pocket configuration on the Chrome, there simply aren't enough of them under the flap, and none that are easily accessible. The Bailey has two large bellows pockets, one with interior pockets and pen holders.

Also, I like the Bailey strap mechanism far better. First, it's reversible, so you can switch shoulders if you're left handed, or if maybe you've hurt a shoulder. The shoulder strap on the Chrome is at a fixed angle, since it's sewn into the bag, where as the Bailey is free to pivot. This might be a plus for you, but depending on the load, you have to mount the bag differently and that is far easier and more comfortable with the Bailey.

The Bailey lock pocket is a huge design win, I don't know what I would do without it. In theory the new Super Messengers have a different pocket configuration that Bailey says doesn't fit locks, but I've tested my narrow long shackle and it works fine. I'm not a hiptard or a messenger, so I don't do the shorty in the backpocket. My bike lives on the street while I'm at work, so a larger lock is necessary, and hauling one around is far nicer when it has its own externally accessible pocket. Plus, with the pocket, it keeps your nasty wet and dirty lock off the crap inside the bag.

If you're looking at a Chrome, definitely consider a Bailey, I think the Super Messenger is one of the nicest non-custom bags out there.

I think this is not a Cool Tool, but just a messenger bag (even though it might be a fancy one). I would prefer Cool Tools to post less, but select really cool stuff, instead of posting this kind of things ...

Just a thought.

Oh good: Another "This is not a Cool Tool" comment.
Couldn't that apply to everything? Aren't knives just sharpened metal? Aren't books just dead trees? Isn't nearly everything a tool, and coolness in the eye of the beholder?
I'm all for the counterpoints -- know of a better bag? Great! I want to know why! -- but enough with the "I don't like this. The end."
Part of what's great about Cool Tools, in my opinion, is how passionate people can be about "tools" that maybe I'd never given a moment's thought. Just a bag? Heavens no.

I like the look of this bag. I've been using messenger bags from Aerostich for years, but they recently changed the design on the shoulder strap and I now find it too unwieldly for everyday use. The extra part of the strap sticks out and tends to brush against things in a narrow walkway.

In reference to the poster who said messenger bags are not tools, what planet are you from? Ask any bike messenger whether they consider their bag to be a useful tool...

That is funny, in the past I have posted when I felt that an item was not a cool tool and was being presented inappropriately; but when I looked at this post, I actually commented to myself that it is kind of a cool tool. I appreciate the seatbelt style buckle for quick release, a feature I incorporated into an number of my own bags I have previously carried thanks to a parted out 1986 Ford escort that went to the scrap heap with no seatbelts. My only qualm is that a seatbelt style buckle does teach you to be aware as you discard your fully laden bag at your destination since the buckle can and does swing and hit things if you are not careful of it.

I would love to know where I can get a wide replacement strap that has a belt buckle release. My Timbuktu bag strap died and Timbuktu's replacement straps are dinky 2 inch wide shoulder slicers.

If you have ideas, please email me offlist at wayan at wayan dot com

Oh and for the record, this is a cool tool. Good daily use bags (but not esoteric Gibson bags) are worthy of highlight and conversation.

I've been through two Chrome bags, the only reason I switched was for larger capacity. I believe I started with the Metropolis and then upgraded to the Kremlin. They are effectively bullet-proof and almost indestructible. The secret pocket has come in handy on occasion to hide things from my daughter.

The only downside is the belt buckle has caught a lot of people's attention. Friends love to go "Does it work" as they press the button and my bag goes crashing to the ground. I ended up getting a hard-shelled case for my computer due to this very reason.

If you can afford it, a Chrome bag is truly worth the price. Space, comfort and durability that will keep you satisfied for the rest of your bag-using days.

I've come across a better idea. How about instead, you submit lots of really cool tools for us to read. Or simply come by and read less often. Then every time you are here you can find at least one cool tool you approve:)

These look very cool. However, they are a sack on a strap. You put the sack over your shoulder and your neck becomes a bollard; ask your neck how it feels about that. Strap breaks and you'd better have a grocery bag from Walmart handy.
Say it with me, say it once, say it twice. Mountainsmith.
Say it loud and there's music playing, say it soft and it's almost like praying.
You can carry a MS over one shoulder, 2 shoulders, in your hand or clipped into your hips, like a fannypack but NOT a fannypack. The Omnibelt cinches the pack into you; properly adjusted, it's as close to you as your own skin. No sway, no shift, no rub.
It has no street cred. No one in the White Stripes or Radiohead has ever owned one. Sorry.
Buy a Day or Tour pack with Strapettes and your grandkids will inherit it and take it to Space Camp on the Moon. If you find a Tyrol, a Backcountry Office or a Backcountry Express from the 80s, PLEASE EMAIL ME, because I'll pay top dollar.

I wore out my Manhatttan Portage as a bike messenger in NYC, and checked out many different bags in my search. I went with a PAC Designs bag, (the Ultimate model) it has a few nice features that make a difference in my day:

-The X strap that turns it into a backpack.

-Compression straps to cut the bag's size in half if you're only carrying a few flat items, like envelopes. But then undo the straps and you have a massive bag capable of swallowing several garment bags.

-The shoulder strap is fantastically quick to adjust, to tighten or loosen. You just pull on the D rings - and they are big enough to adjust with gloves on while you're flying through traffic but never in the way.

-Lots of straps - you can get all sorts of things strapped onto the bag. and the bag can carry things taller than it - the extender straps keep it in.

-blinking light strap - nice

-Rubber layer isn't exposed, so it doesn't get worn out by box corners.

-Fantastic padding that really makes a difference. After 10 hours of riding, geeze does it make a difference.

When you put other bags next to a PAC bag... the Chromes are nice, traditional other than the strap buckle, but they certainly are not nearly as well thought out. RELoads are very nice and have some similar features, but the ones I've seen have rubber liners exposed to damage. I know guys who use these brands and they certainly are up to the task of professional work... but in my experience the PAC is just a few steps above.

Perfection comes at a price, but after a few days using it I had no doubt that it was money well spent.

A hearty agreement with the aforementioned PAC Designs bags. By far the most intelligently designed bags in the industry. The Chrome bags are far too shallow for most square objects (excellent for a couple of folios, flat items, etc) whereas the PAC will just swallow them, and with enough cinch straps all over will allow you to properly lash down a load and position it on your back. The PAC Ultimate bags also feature the "X-Strap" which allows you to distribute the weight of a load across both shoulders, as well as a sternum strap that goes under your arm to help keep the load from moving side to side.

The PAC bag is vastly superior to the Chrome, which while aesthetically neat is not a very effective load carrying bag.

Can anyone recommend a pannier bag that convert to a backpack, or something similar? Commuting with a backpack or messenger bag is a pain and a sweaty mess in the summer.

Andrew S: I use Ortlieb's Back Roller Classic panniers
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=31&cid=2
for grocery-shopping and the like. The shoulder straps aren't great—too thin and can bite into your shoulders, but they work well enough, and there are convenient hand straps, too. The quick-release locking mechanism makes it easy getting the bags on and off a rack. If they're what you're looking for, watch REI for sales.-es

Ditto on elon's comment re Ortlieb -- great bags, probably best panniers out there. I have the pannier-to-backpack adapter myself; it works, but doesn't feel as solid as a real bag. Also would echo comments above re Bailey bags: I worked as a messenger for years and having used Chrome, Bailey, and a slew of other bags, I've found Bailey's the superior product, a true Cool Tool: minimal, refined, tough. Chromes are nice and all, overbuilt if anything; the car buckle is stylish but heavy and doesn't add anything over a good plastic buckle -- would you buy a hiking pack with one of these giant carseat buckles on it?